§ COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if there is any suspicion that a considerable number of lyddite shells may contain picrate of soda; and, if there are any such suspected shells, what will he do with them.
§ MR. BRODRICKNo lyddite shells are suspected of being in a dangerous condition. The causes of the explosion at Woolwich are under investigation by a Committee of experts, and such action will be taken as regards lyddite shells as their report may show to be necessary.
§ COLONEL NOLANWhen will the Report be made?
§ MR. BRODRICKI cannot say.
§ COLONEL NOLANWill it be in a month or a couple of years? Are you going to indefinitely postpone the question?
§ MR. BRODRICKThere is no desire to postpone the question. Obviously it is one to which experts must give careful consideration.
§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)Is it not the fact that the Board of Inquiry have closed their deliberations at the Arsenal?
§ MR BRODRICKI cannot say, Sir.
† See page 384.